“By studying at Solent I was able to find where my strengths lay, filmmaking-wise.”
BA (Hons)Film Production
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: P31P
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study film with a foundation year
Build the right skills, and develop your talent, and your portfolio to break into the film industry. Our high-end kit, and industry connections provide the ingredients for a successful career.
- Top0for drama, dance and cinematics studies, out of 94 institutions (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 0thin the UK for student experience in drama, dance and cinematics studies (out of 94 institutions) (The Times Good University Guide 2025)
- 0thin the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
- If you’re looking to study our film degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress
- Solent ranked in the Top 25% of UK universities for satisfaction with teaching in film production and photography (out of 66 institutions) (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
- Extensive professional-grade media equipment available. Giving you free access to a range of modern filmmaking equipment including industry-standard cinema cameras and lenses, professional lighting equipment and high-end audio equipment.
- Solent Productions and Solent TV, our in-house production agencies, enable you to gain a wide range of work experience for your professional showreel. With established links with industry including ITV, the BBC, Talent TV, Glastonbury and Creamfields.
- Masterclasses with industry professionals and high-profile guest speakers. Previous speakers have included actor Maisie Williams, editor Tom Rolf, director Michael Apted, cinematographer Brian Tufano, and Oscar-winning visual effects specialist Paul Franklin.
Course overview
With a wide range of high-end film equipment, a passionate teaching team and a reputation for producing well-rounded graduates, film production at Solent University will help prepare you for life as a film production professional.
The making of a film is a very complex art form requiring a variety of skills and expertise including creativity, passion, commitment, technical expertise, team working, vision, and research skills. This degree gives you the opportunities to develop these specialist skills through a creative, practical yet academic curriculum built on real-world film production practices.
You will be supported to develop a range of filmmaking knowledge across key roles including writing, directing, cinematography, sound, editing and producing, whilst also having the chance to specialise in some of the key creative roles involved in the making of films. You will also have the opportunity to produce many short films and a final year graduation film, all designed to put your knowledge into practice.
Your core knowledge will also be complemented by modules in film promotion and fundraising, which will help you to learn how to raise money for your films and distribute them to festivals and beyond.
In 2023, a film created by second year students was awarded Best Film at this year's Making Waves Future BAFTA Winners short film competition. Read more about the film, the team, and the awards.
This degree will equip you with the core skills and knowledge to be a better filmmaker, to understand cinema critically and creatively, and to be challenged and grow as an individual.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
This foundation year is designed to help you build basic media making skills ahead of starting a full undergraduate media-related degree at Solent.
Typical candidates either haven’t yet met the entry requirements needed to start on the first year of an undergraduate course or have spent time away from education.
What does this course lead to?
Our recent graduates have gone into a variety of exciting roles with major industry players such as Warner Brothers and Endemol, and have worked in various roles on big blockbusters – some have also gone into formatting of TV shows such as Big Brother. Other graduates have gone on to form their own independent production companies and produce all kinds of films from commercials, documentaries to indie-shorts and features.
Some students finish the degree and decide that a career in film isn’t for them, however thanks to the key transferable skills that are embedded throughout, these students are able to explore a career in areas as diverse as; arts management, business, teaching, marketing, graphics, VFX and music production.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Throughout your studies you will have access to industry-standard equipment for digital film-making, alongside Solent’s digital studios and a student-run 3D cinema with Dolby Atmos to show student films. You will learn on a variety of professional level cameras ranging from the Blackmagic Ursa Minis, Sony F5s through the Arria Alexa.
You will also be taught editing on three industry standard platforms- FCPX, Premiere Pro, and Avid Media Composer. And we have a fully spec’d drama studio that can be used to build film sets, as well as a grading and post-production sound suite.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Belonging (Media Design)
You will learn to present complex creative ideas in visual and compelling ways, work with others as a member of a collaborative group, become a student of the university, and meet with staff from your progression course.
Stories (Narrative Media Project)
On this module, you will be breaking down the theoretical and practical building blocks that stories are made from in order to become a better storyteller yourself.
Projects (Online Media Project)
This module will not only be an opportunity to undertake a creative project it will also teach you all about how projects work and how to ensure you get the best out of collaboration with a project team.
Discovery (Research for Media Making)
This module will teach you to find good quality information and to effectively present it. You will be eased into the process of exploring and accessing good quality sources of information in a variety of ways.
Ambitions (Individual Media Project)
This module will give you opportunities for further exploration of your own chosen field of media practice which leads to a deeper understanding of your own individual path through your course.
My Place in the Creative Industries (Media Industries)
By undertaking your own research about the branch of the creative industries you want to work in you will begin to build an understanding of the nature of work and employment in the sector.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Films
- Group presentations
- Essays
- Video essays
- Practical exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
The international film and TV industries are an exciting, challenging and dynamic place to work. It is one of the key creative industries in the UK and beyond and employs a large number of people in all sorts of interesting roles.
Spend on UK film and high-end TV production was £4.23bn in 2023, of which, £2.87bn was invested in 187 high-end television production (HETV) shows and £1.36bn was spend on producing 207 feature films. With a strong creative industry there are wide ranging roles in film and television and beyond, including camera operator, editor, producer, vision mixer, location manager, researcher, script writer and more.
This course is designed with the needs of the international film and TV industries in mind. These industries need a balance of literal and lateral thinkers, critically minded individuals who can shape ideas but also understand the craft and expertise in conveying those ideas via the screen.
The course team has close ties to City Eye and Southampton Film Week, and you’ll have access to a varied programme of masterclasses and high-profile guest speakers.
You could earn:
Runner
Minimum per hour (BECTU): £11.95 to £16.70
This would depend on the type of production you're working on. The BECTU suggested minimum hourly rate for documentary/factual TV, entertainment/live TV, scripted TV and feature films, for example, is £12.50 excluding holiday pay and £14 with holiday pay.
Production manager
Starting salary (trainee): £25,000
Experienced production managers can earn in the region of £35,000 to £45,000. In more senior roles, depending on the level of responsibility, salaries are in the region of £40,000 to in excess of £60,000.
Sound technician
Starting salary: £17,000 to £19,000
With experience, salaries can rise to around £35,000. Freelance work is common - you'll need to negotiate rates according to your experience and the type of production. Recommended rates of pay are set by BECTU. Daily rates for a 10-hour day are set at around £180 for third sound assistants, £280 to £360 for second sound assistants, and £380 to £480 for first sound assistants.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“By studying at Solent I was able to find where my strengths lay, filmmaking-wise.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Film Production
Got a passion for filmmaking? Want to improve your professional showreel and boost your employability? Solent’s MA Film Production programme is ideally suited to students who...
MA Visual Communication
Do you have an eye for design? Would you like to help influence the future of visual communications? Our MA Visual Communication degree is ideal for creatives keen to refine their practice, working as part of an interdisciplinary group of students.
MA Sports Broadcast Journalism
Want to bring your sports knowledge to radio, the internet or television screens? Solent’s Sports Broadcast Journalism master’s degree is an advanced course designed to help...
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 costs were:
Compulsory costs
There are no compulsory production costs that you are required to meet in order to fully participate on the course. Students choosing to raise a budget for their film or TV productions are encouraged to crowdfund and seek advice from project supervisors on budgetary matters where applicable.
Optional costs
The course features optional trips to international film festivals. These trips are subject to student demand. Prices will be dependent on the location of the trip as well as the travel and accommodation costs at the time of booking.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points from:
- A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A-level, or equivalent, but can demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience, that's indicative of their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
